Is Tableau Certification Worth It?
Gaining a formal certification through an accredited Tableau course is an opportunity for data analysts and other professionals working with complex data sets to demonstrate their skills.
Big data and data management are significant focuses in countless industries, and having a documented qualification through the Tableau Certification program ensures that prospective employers have the assurance that a candidate possesses the technical proficiency and practical know-how they require.
With a projected growth of 28% in data science throughout US commerce, data skills are a high-demand area, and corporate entities are increasingly integrating Tableau as a tool that can enhance data literacy and deliver visual data representations for use in reporting, decision-making and business development.
What Does a Tableau Certification Involve?
Tableau certifications can take from two to three days, depending on the level of existing knowledge the trainee possesses. There are three possible levels of study as follows:
- Level one Tableau certifications are designed for novice users learning the fundamentals and basic tools. There are also level one courses created for IT professionals with more in-depth expertise, yet new to Tableau.
- Level two courses provide a deeper look at the functionality of Tableau and more advanced applications and report customization.
- Level three tuition enriches the Tableau skills taught thus far, exploring different techniques and dashboard design to ensure trainees have comprehensive platform knowledge.
How much does Tableau certification cost? There are varied course structures, from on-demand self-study to digital classroom-based training and group tuition for colleagues or businesses engaging in workplace development.
Two-day courses start from $1,095, although pricing may vary depending on whether the class is instructor-led, individual self-study, or group based, with a choice of public courses and private lessons tailored to the needs of the trainee group.
Choosing a Suitable Certified Tableau Course
There are numerous Tableau educational classes to choose from, and the appropriate options will depend on your role, the depth of familiarity with Tableau you require, and your expertise in data and analytics.
Lesson plans cater to the capabilities of the audience. Hence, a novice level one course is ideal for those who require an introduction to data visualization software. In contrast, a level three course is suited to students with a firm foundation of understanding and looking for more advanced skills.
Examinations to Achieve Tableau Certification Status
Tableau certification is issued after candidates have achieved a passing grade on the relevant certification exam. Having a tested element of the course is advantageous for IT professionals who wish to pursue qualifications that present strong evidence of proficiency.
Exams must be delivered through an authorized provider and can be taken either online or at a regional testing center, where candidates are asked to complete a series of tasks and are scored based on performance. The test normally takes one hour to complete.
Depending on the Tableau course you enroll in, the certifications available may include the following:
- Tableau Desktop Specialist–a permanent qualification
- Tableau Certified Data Analyst–valid for two years
Preparation for the Tableau exam often requires at least six months of practical experience using Tableau before becoming a Tableau Certified Data Analyst. Candidates studying for the Tableau Desktop Specialist certification are advised to have three months of experience with the software before the exam.
Advantages of Tableau Certified Status
The primary benefit to obtaining certified status in Tableau is that professionals have formal evidence of their abilities, whether introducing new data visualization software within an existing role or applying for positions requiring data mapping and analytical skills. Businesses may also use certification pathways as a continued professional development exercise, particularly for data analysts revisiting the Tableau examination periodically to ensure they have refreshed their understanding of the latest software version to achieve a passing grade.
Applicants can use a Tableau certification to upskill, improving their ability to work within increasingly digital and tech-centric sectors, with pay rates for qualified data analysts higher than the market average. The demand for visual imaging and data mapping is growing across data environments and industries, providing career opportunities for IT professionals looking to engage in emerging employment trends and those beginning a career in data analytics and hoping to cement their knowledge through a formal certification process.
